After fires and COVID, SA’s tourism sector has huge rise in bookings as we holiday at home

After a horrible year, SA’s smashed tourism sector has the perfect Christmas present – mass bookings.

A surge in holiday bookings is helping the state’s regional tourism operators put a horror year behind them, with many accommodation options full and some businesses enjoying their busiest summer ever.

The influx of travellers across December and January is also creating a boon for regional businesses, from restaurants and pubs to fishing charters and tour operators, in a year when many have been belted by bushfires, the pandemic restrictions and the collapse of international tourism.

Caravan park operators across the state say business is at record levels as the impact of the pandemic makes a SA regional holiday more enticing than ever.

G’day Parks chief executive Grant Wilckens urged holiday-makers who had not yet booked a place to act fast.

Sisters Kaye and Charlee having fun at G'Day Caravan Park at Victor Harbor. Picture: Tom Huntley

“We’re gearing up for one of our busiest summer seasons on record. Across South Australia, our bookings are up around 150 per cent on last year,” he said.

“It’s certainly been a tough year for our regions and it’s great to see that over the next few weeks, important tourism dollars will be flowing in.

“If you’re still thinking about heading away but haven’t made a booking yet, there are still a few sites and cabins available in places like the Barossa, Goolwa and Streaky Bay, but don’t delay as we expect that most places will be fully booked soon.”

Acting chief executive of BIG4 Holiday Parks Australia Rick Bischoff said it was a good end to a tough year.

“It’s really pleasing to see regional tourism in SA bouncing back after an extremely difficult year that started with bushfires and then COVID-19,” he said.

“Forward bookings in our SA parks are up over 25 per cent on last year for the months December and January. While the Christmas to New Year’s period will be largely sold out, there will still be some availability in January, particularly for those prepared to stay midweek. See our website for availability.”

Latest figures from Tourism Research Australia show in September SA had the highest number of interstate visits and highest interstate overnight expenditure since the state went into lockdown in March, up 173 per cent on August to $68 million.

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said after a difficult year there has been an incredible response from South Australians exploring their own backyard, as well an influx of interstaters as border restrictions ease.

“I’ve been out in the regions talking with operators who are reporting strong forward bookings for the summer holiday period and are hoping this momentum can continue well into 2021,” he said.

“There is a long road ahead but there are fantastic things to see and do across our regions.

“Summer is going to be very important for the recovery of tourism in SA. I’ve got to thank the people of South Australia for getting out there and spending their hard-earned on local businesses, supporting South Australians and for being awesome ambassadors for our great state.”

Digital travel platform agoda.com reports a surge in searches for SA regional areas including Coober Pedy, Port Lincoln, Robe, and Kangaroo Island.

Agoda spokesman Tim Hughes said: “An Aussie Christmas holiday often means beaches in Bali, snowfields in Japan or playtime in Phuket. This year rural and regional destinations from seaside towns such as Robe and Port Lincoln to the outback, underground town of Coober Pedy are on the agenda.

“Aussies are searching for authentic and unique experiences with time to reconnect to the simple pleasures regional SA offers. Regional cuisine, laid back towns, interesting landscapes, deserted beaches and swimming spots, are all on the travel agenda with these alternative destinations offering a relaxing and rejuvenating stay.”

However, Opposition tourism spokeswoman Zoe Bettison noted the industry still faced big challenges with plenty of tourism operators “doing it tough”.

“Around 58 per cent of tourism operators are expected to still be on JobKeeper into the new year, according to Business SA figures,” she said.

“2020 has been the toughest year for South Australia tourism. They battled dry conditions, bushfires and a pandemic. International borders remain closed and ongoing uncertainty with our state borders remain.

“Workers in the industry have either been stood down or let go and we know that in August 94 per cent of tourism businesses in SA were on JobKeeper.

“In the midst of all this the Government decided to cut events like the Adelaide 500 without a proper events plan for 2021, they rolled out a very narrow tourism voucher scheme which less than half were used and they continue to make cuts to the tourism budget.”